9/7/18

CASE BRIEF/CASE
SYNTHESIS
Legal Research/Legal Writing
Atty. Anna Christina R. Iglesias

What is a case brief (digest)?

■ A summary of a reported case

■ No particular form
■ Essential skill in legal research
■ Building block of the case synthesis

1
 9/7/18

What is a case (rule) synthesis?

■ A case synthesis analyzes cases that may

be grouped together under a similar topic
■ Synthesizing cases will illustrate a
particular legal principle and identify
nuances in decisions
■ Also an essential skill in legal research

Please note …

■ A case brief/digest is in line with the case method system which looks at
jurisprudence, analyzes and applies the law and legal principles in resolving a
particular issue
■ A case digest looks at the facts, the issues and the applicable set of laws and
principles given a particular set of facts
■ Consistency in application is one consideration (ex. Stare decisis) and appreciating
nuances in the facts and applicable principles is another when analyzing cases
touching on seemingly similar facts

2
 9/7/18

Where can you apply your skill in

making case digests/synthesis?
■ Pleadings
■ Legal opinions
■ Decisions
■ Academic research

Review: {Parts of a Decision}

■ Statement of the Case

■ Statement of Facts
■ Issues/Assignment of Errors
■ Court’s Ruling
■ Disposition/Dispositive Portion

3
 9/7/18

Components of a Case Brief (Digest)

■ FACTS
■ ISSUE/S and HELD
■ RATIO DECIDENDI (REASONING)
■ DISPOSITIVE PORTION

Elements of a Case (Rule) Synthesis

■ Brief summary of cases covered by the synthesis, highlighting relevant facts and
issues
■ Analysis of the court’s reasoning in these cases and relationship of the cases to
each other – ex. Evolution of a particular doctrine, differences/similarities in the
facts resulting in similar/dissimilar application, etc.
■ Depending on where it will be used (ex. Persuasive or Analytical work), the synthesis
will be helpful in illustrating a particular concept or deriving a rule which may have
persuasive or analytical value

4
 9/7/18

Tips on Making a Case

Digest/Synthesis
■ Know which facts are relevant
■ Read the case at least twice
■ Learn to spot the issue and articulate it – this is a skill
that is developed over time
■ Note the differences in writing styles and flow of
discussion – these differ among the ponente
■ For case synthesis, make a rule synthesis Chart to
guide your analysis

Case (Rule) Synthesis Chart

Topic: Root cause of psychological incapacity (Art. 36, Family Code)

Year Relevant Fact Result

X vs Y xxx Husband is an alcoholic Denied
A vs B xxx Husband is physically abusive Denied
C vs D xxx Husband is chronically unfaithful Denied
E vs J xxx Wife is immature Denied
H vs K xxx Irreconcilable differences Denied

Source: https://info.legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.com/pdf/perspec/2001-winter/winter-2001-6.pdf

5
 9/7/18

Assignment for September 13, 2018

1. Read carefully and make individual case digests of the following cases: Vitangcol
vs. People, G.R. No. 207406 (2016); Santiago vs. People, G.R. No. 200233
(2015); Cacho vs. People, G.R. No. 145226 (2004).
2. Make your own case (rule) synthesis chart of the above cases including our first
assigned case, Manuel vs. People (2010) particularly the element of the crime
which is a valid first marriage. There is no one format – make one that suits your
purpose.
3. Use the link below to see more examples:
Source: https://info.legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.com/pdf/perspec/2001-
winter/winter-2001-6.pdf